AFFALTERBACH : March 20, 2012 – Mercedes-AMG is embarking on the 2012 roadster season in inimitably dynamic style: following on from the recent launch of the SL 63 AMG, the top eight-cylinder model, there now comes the presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, the V12 roadster in the line-up from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. The AMG 6.0-litre V12 "biturbo" (twin-turbocharged) engine develops a maximum output of 463 kW (630 hp) and maximum torque of 1000 newton metres. The result: exceptional performance, impressive power delivery and effortlessly superior dynamics. As with the SLS AMG super sports car, the use of an all-aluminium bodyshell results in a drastic reduction in weight. The new SL 65 AMG is some 170 kilograms lighter than before. The expressive front section is dominated by the new "twin blade" radiator grille and the front apron's lower cross strut in high-sheen chrome.

"The combination of exclusive V12 dynamic
performance and a refined roadster driving experience was already the
defining attribute of the predecessor model. We are convinced that, with
the new SL 65 AMG, we have developed an incomparably exciting
high-performance vehicle for the small, but loyal community of fans",
says Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

An important aspect of the new model is the
intelligent lightweight construction which also contributes to reducing
the fuel consumption. At 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined)
it represents a saving of 2.4 litres or 17 percent compared with the
previous SL 65 AMG and simultaneously establishes a new benchmark in the
twelve-cylinder petrol engine segment. A major role in the reduced fuel
consumption figures is played by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
transmission, the ECO start/stop‑function, in-engine measures to
optimise efficiency and alternator management. Despite the significantly
reduced fuel consumption, the maximum output of the AMG V12 6-litre
biturbo engine is up from 450 kW (612 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp). The maximum torque is 1000 newton metres.

The unrivalled performance figures of the new SL
65 AMG translate into an exceptional driving experience: acceleration
from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4 seconds with the 200 km/h mark attained after
just 11.8 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
As well as offering stunning acceleration, the AMG twelve-cylinder
biturbo engine impresses with its smooth running characteristics and its
distinctive AMG V12 sound. It is a performance that reconciles
effortless superiority and stylishness to perfection.

The key data at a glance:

SL 65 AMG

Displacement

5980 cc

Bore x stroke

82.6 x 93.0 mm

Compression ratio

9.0:1

Output

463 kW(630 hp) at 4800-5400 rpm

Max. torque

1000 Nmat 2300-4300 rpm*

Vehicle weight acc. to EC

1950 kg

Fuel consumption, NEDC combined

11.6 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

270 g/km

Efficiency class

G

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.0 seconds

Top speed

250 km/h*

* electronically limited

AMG 6-litre V12 biturbo engine with new technology

The AMG 6-litre V12 biturbo engine with the
designation M 279 is based on the M 275 engine used previously and has
been comprehensively revised for the new SL 65 AMG. New exhaust gas
turbochargers with an increased spiral cross-section, new manifolds and
wastegate ducts with optimised flow characteristics increase the engine
output by 13 kW (18 hp). The multi-spark ignition with
twelve double ignition coils not only results in smoother running, but
also enables even more effective combustion in combination with a new
engine management system with higher performance and optimised cylinder
heads. The resulting reduction in exhaust emissions is also due to a
large extent to the optimised catalytic converter system. The newly
developed AMG sports exhaust system, which has a pipe layout with
enhanced flow characteristics, is 3.2 kilograms lighter as a result of a
reduction in the wall thickness.

But it is not just the inner qualities of the AMG
6-litre V12 biturbo engine that impress. The powerplant's looks are as
inspiring as its performance: the high-quality carbon-fibre and
aluminium engine cover reflects the exceptional character of the
powerful twelve-cylinder unit.

New: AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC

For the first time AMG has combined the 6-litre
V12 biturbo engine with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G‑TRONIC. The
seven-speed automatic transmission with its wide gear ratio spread
enables a significantly lower engine speed and helps to reduce fuel
consumption. A new fuel economy torque converter, bearings designed for
reduced friction loss and the transmission-oil thermal management system
are responsible for a further increase in the efficiency of the power
transmission system.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G‑TRONIC has four
different driving modes – Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport
plus (S+) and Manual (M) – which can be selected at the push of a button
on the centre console. In "C" mode the ECO start/stop function is
permanently active. The compelling, dynamic character of the driving
experience is made all the more vivid by the automatic
double-declutching function during downshifts and through the brief,
precisely defined interruption of ignition and fuel injection during
upshifts under full load; the latter functionality has the additional
benefit of reducing the shift times.

Compared with the predecessor model's steel
design, the all-aluminium bodyshell of the new SL 65 AMG delivers a
significant weight saving of around 110 kilograms as well as superior
rigidity, safety and comfort. Intelligent lightweight construction also
means that the components have been optimised in line with their
specific purpose. Various types of processing are used for the aluminium
components, for instance, which are produced as permanent mould
castings or vacuum die castings before being processed into extruded
sections or used in the form of sheet aluminium with varying wall
thicknesses. The result is high rigidity, high safety and improved
vibration characteristics. For the cover behind the tank, the designers
use even lighter magnesium material in certain areas. High-strength
steel tubes are integrated into the A-pillars for safety reasons.

The boot lid helps to further trim the weight.
For the first time on a volume-produced model, the inner support is made
from lightweight carbon-fibre composite. The extremely rigid
carbon-fibre component is bonded to the plastic outer shell, resulting
in a weight saving of five kilograms compared with a conventional boot
lid – an innovative solution that is being pioneered with the AMG SL
models. This raft of innovative lightweight-design measures means that,
at an EC kerb weight of 1950 kilograms, the new SL 65 AMG is 170
kilograms lighter than the model it replaces.

AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control

Mercedes-AMG also makes systematic use of
lightweight construction principles for the suspension. The steering
knuckles and spring links of the 4-link front suspension and almost all
of the multi-link independent rear suspension components are made of
aluminium. Both the vehicle's handling agility and the response of the
spring and damper components are enhanced by the reduction in unsprung
masses. Like the predecessor model, the new SL 65 AMG is equipped as
standard with the ABC active suspension system. The AMG sports
suspension based on Active Body Control fitted in the eight-cylinder SL
63 AMG has been enhanced and its setup optimised for this new
top-of-the-range model.

Driving dynamics and performance were the key
objectives during the design, development and testing phases. It is
possible to choose between two suspension settings at the touch of a
button: distinctly sporty characteristics with reduced roll angles and
firm body damping ("Sport") or a mode for high comfort on long journeys
("Comfort"). More negative camber on both axles and fully revised
elastokinematics result in greater agility and faster cornering speeds.

New electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering

Equipped with the newly developed
electro-mechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, the V12 top
model impresses with high dynamic qualities and eloquent feedback at the
critical limits. The steering has a constant, more direct ratio and
variable power assistance which adjusts in line with the suspension
mode. Further standard equipment includes 3-stage ESP®, a speciality
exclusive to AMG with "SPORT Handling" mode for particularly keen
drivers, and an AMG rear axle differential which helps ensure that the
phenomenal engine output is put down on the road as effectively as
possible.

All the qualities expected of an AMG
high-performance braking system – excellent deceleration
characteristics, optimum sensitivity and high resistance to fading – are
delivered to perfection by the newly developed brake system of the SL
65 AMG. It features 390 x 36 mm compound discs with six-piston fixed
callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm integral discs with single-piston
sliding callipers at the rear. An electric parking brake is fitted as
standard. Red-painted callipers, as well as the even more powerful
weight-optimised AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system as
seen on the SLS AMG, are available from the AMG Performance Studio as
options.

New AMG brand face with two blade-like louvres

The new SL 65 AMG lives up to its stylish and
exclusive high-performance roadster claim not only with its engineering
but through its looks, too. The SL 65 AMG is the first model to feature
the new AMG brand face. The two elements which dominate the form – the
radiator grille and the lower cooling air intake – are retained but in
reinterpreted form which gives them a more distinctive identity in terms
of dynamism and the sense of perceived value they convey. The central
styling feature is the new "twin blade" radiator grille in high-sheen
chrome. The Mercedes star is mounted on two blade-like louvres whose
profile recalls that of an aircraft wing. The more pronounced V-shape of
the radiator grille optimises the longitudinal proportions of the
vehicle and so adds even greater visual emphasis to the attributes of
aerodynamics and purism.

Below the "twin blade" radiator grille, the
stylised "A", a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles, is retained. A
gap formed below a fine black fin at the lower edge of the cooling air
opening allows an optimum airflow over the cooling modules – a perfect
combination of aesthetics and high technology. The lower cross strut in
the front apron is finished in high-sheen chrome and is given a
perceived sense of depth by the gap above it – a distinctive note which
adds the perfect finishing touch to the front of the vehicle. The "twin
blade" radiator grille and lower cross strut are the two complementary
styling elements which underline the new AMG brand face – a look which
will be picked up by the styling of future AMG models and so further
increase the recognition value of the AMG performance brand.

The V12 top model is distinguished from the SL 63
AMG through the strategic use of high-sheen chrome highlights: along
with the "twin blade" radiator grille and the lower cross strut, the
surrounds of the special AMG daytime running lamps as well as the fins
on the bonnet and the side of the wings have the same finish. Further
characteristic AMG styling cues to be found on the SL 65 AMG include the
front apron with large openings for the engine oil, water, charge air
and transmission oil coolers, the specially shaped side sill panels, the
AMG spoiler lip and the diffuser-look rear apron with a vehicle-colour
insert.

In addition to the two special chromed twin
tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, the characteristic V12
features include the "V12 BITURBO" legend on the front wings and the AMG
5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen
finish and equipped with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 tyres at front and
rear respectively. AMG multi-spoke forged light-alloy wheels from the
AMG Performance Studio with 255/35 R 19 front tyres and 285/30 R 20 rear
tyres reduce the unsprung masses. The forged wheels are also available
in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange.

Vario-roof: MAGIC SKY CONTROL as an option

The sixth-generation SL retains the
electrohydraulically operated vario-roof which can be retracted to save
space, enabling the SL 65 AMG to be transformed into a roadster or a
coupé, as the mood takes the driver and depending on the weather, in
under 20 seconds. In contrast to the predecessor model, there are two
versions to choose from for the new SL: the panoramic vario-roof or the
unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparency of
the latter can be switched to light or dark at the push of a button.

Interior: a feast for all the senses

Inside, too, the SL 65 AMG has exclusive design
and equipment features which differentiate it from its eight-cylinder
sister model. The electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with single
or two-tone upholstery in Exclusive nappa leather with a special AMG
diamond pattern are a particular highlight. This distinctive upholstery
is also to be found on the door centre panels. Embossed AMG emblems on
the seat backrests are standard, as are AIRSCARF neck-level heating,
multicontour functionality, seat memory and climatised seats. The
designo headlining in leather with partial AMG V12 diamond-design
quilting provides the perfect visual and tactile finishing touch.

The design of the cockpit recalls the SLS AMG:
the four air vents styled like jet engines, the E-SELECT lever and the
AMG DRIVE UNIT are all reminiscent of the super sports car's styling.
The choice of exquisite materials and the first-class workmanship which
characterise the interior of the SL 65 AMG indulge all the senses.
Highlights include the AMG carbon-fibre trim elements, the IWC-design
analogue clock, the chromed AMG door sill panels illuminated in white
and the AMG Performance steering wheel which is embellished by an AMG
logo in the lower metal insert. A speedometer calibrated to 360 km/h in
the AMG instrument cluster and the AMG start-up display with an
exclusive AMG V12 BITURBO animation hint at the exceptionally dynamic
performance of the SL 65 AMG.

The twelve-cylinder roadster has exclusive and
comprehensive equipment and appointments to meet just about every
requirement (selection):

The designo range for the SL 65 AMG, available ex
factory, offers a wealth of tailor-made individualisation options to
cater for practically any requirement. As well as being able to choose
between designo magno cashmere white and designo magno alanite grey matt
paintwork or designo mocha black and designo graphite metallic
paintwork, customers can also opt for an expressive designo zircon red
paint finish. There is a range of Exclusive designo leather appointments
in eight attractive colours to match these paint finishes. All rounded
off perfectly by a choice of designo trim, headlining and seat-belt
options.

One of the world's safest roadsters

A crash-optimised aluminium structure,
standard-fit PRE-SAFE® system and assistance systems on a par with those
of the S-Class make the SL one of the world's safest roadsters. The
rigid aluminium bodyshell forms a robust occupant compartment as well as
precisely defined deformation zones at the front and rear. If the
vehicle rolls over, A-pillars made from a steel-aluminium material mix
and two automatic roll-over bars help to protect the occupants.

The restraint systems, including two-stage driver
and passenger airbags, have been further enhanced. A headbag covers
much of the side head-impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the
backrest can protect the upper body in the event of a side impact.
Further new standard features for the SL include the
Mercedes-Benz-developed NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints. An
active bonnet and a front end with a large, yielding impact area help
ensure pedestrian protection.

The market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65
AMG will take place in September 2012. The sales price in Germany (incl.
19% VAT) is: SL 65 AMG: 236,334 euros